This past week I had an amazing opportunity to visit another school, during school hours, with real live children there working and learning. As a teacher this is unheard of for professional development. Most of our professional development is done a few times a year in a conference hall or local high school with an expert talking to us. I understand why this is the norm because it would be astronomical to pay for a TTOC for for every teacher multiple times a year. However, after this past week I would argue that I learned more in one day of observation and talking to colleagues than in most of my other Pro-D. I was able to watch a guided reading lesson in the same grade that I teach, talk to students, talk to the librarian, see the amazing reading programs in place, as well as talk to their full time literacy coach. This is a school with very high needs and it was great to see what they are doing there to help their students. My biggest take away was a tool used during the guided reading lesson. Each student had this book to mark where and what they wanted to share with their teacher. I hope to make these this week and start implementing this with my class next week.
With today’s social networks, it is possible to constantly be connecting and learning from fellow educators. While I do not have twitter, I can see the value in it as an educational tool. I’ve seen how you can connect with teachers from around the world, discuss educational practices and share your stories. The reason I am not on Twitter is because I enjoy talking with people in person and I don’t want to add another social media to my already technology filled life.
After this class is over I know that my professional development will continue. I think that it would be hard as a teacher to not to professional development. I believe that there is always something you can learn or do differently to help you be a better educator. Whether that is trying a new project, connecting with another classroom, or talking with a fellow teacher, we should always be learning from each other.
Hello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your preference of pro-d. I also find that observing and getting one on one time to talk to another professional is a great way to learn. The experience of seeing another educator in action really allows for us to see what kinds of things we can implement in our own classes. I also find I walk away reflection of my own teaching ways. I am on the same age as you in regard to twitter. I see the benefit, but have not used it to its full capacity. This is something I am working on as I am sure it would be a great resource and means to connecting to other people.
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ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
My district has a demonstration school and they host pro-d on a different day than the rest of the district (once a year). This allows teachers to see a live classroom in action. I attended last year and it was unbelievably helpful. Like you said, seeing theory in practice is so much more valuable than a presentation.
I was also part of the mentorship program with my two districts which encouraged new teachers to visit other classrooms during school hours. It was a very valuable program that I would highly recommend!
Katelyn
Having the opportunity to learn from other teachers while they instruct their kids is incredibly powerful. How fortunate for you to have experienced this. I understand that the idea of Twitter can be daunting. I heard something once that the best way to approach it is like watching a river. Sit alongside and enjoy it for a bit and then move on. Don’t try to keep up with the endless stream. Some additional research and investigation may provide additional professional development strategies for you to implement.
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